Go Panthers!

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 17, FIU Athletics will host 11 events in five days, including heated contests versus rivals FAU, an appearance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the FIU baseball home opener.

The FIU women’s basketball team got things off to a great start with their 59-42 victory over conference rival Florida Atlantic Feb. 17.

Thursday night, Feb. 18, the FIU men’s basketball team will also play rival FAU in a rematch of their intense Jan. 30 game. Tipoff will be at 8 p.m. at the U.S. Century Bank Arena. The first 500 students who arrive early and sign a sportsmanship agreement will receive a free FIU T-shirt. Let’s pack the arena, be loud and send the Owls back to their burrow.

This weekend features exciting softball and baseball action. The FIU softball team will host the Blue and Gold Felsberg Memorial Tournament in honor of Michael Felsberg, a former FIU track athlete and Marine who lost his life in Iraq. As part of Military Appreciation Day, the U.S. Army Golden Knights will parachute into FIU Softball Stadium. Be there by 3:45 p.m. to witness the Golden Knights’ breath-taking descent from the clouds. FIU softball will play Long Island at 4 p.m. and Bethune-Cookman at 6 p.m. All fans in attendance will receive an FIU Rally Towel. The softball team will continue the tournament with games on Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.

The FIU baseball team opens its season Friday, Feb. 19, against Maryland at 7 p.m. Following the best turnaround in team history, the Panthers enter the season with their eyes on the Sun Belt Conference title. All fans will receive an FIU baseball magnet upon entrance to the game. The series will continue against Maryland with games on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon. Saturday the FIU Alumni Association will host a tailgate party for fans with music, food and prizes beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday fans can pick up their 2010 FIU baseball poster and stay after the game to get the team’s autographs.

For more information please call 305-FIU-GAME or visit FIUSports.com.